At a time when Washington is mired in turmoil, our state representatives have to step up, pass laws and make decisions that safeguard New York and its residents.

Voters will decide if Governor Andrew Cuomo merits a third term, or if challenger Cynthia Nixon should oust the longtime incumbent. Cuomo is running on his record of achievement and overwhelming institutional support, but Nixon is riding a wave of liberal insurgency and has shown a good grasp of critical issues.

For lieutenant governor, incumbent Kathy Hochul promises to continue advocating for women’s and LGBT rights. Challenger Jumaane Williams, a city councilman from Brooklyn, wants to be a check on Cuomo, and pledges to fight for affordable housing.

Four strong candidates are running for attorney general, a position that was left open due to Eric Schneiderman’s ill-advised assaults on multiple partners. Public Advocate Letitia James quickly garnered establishment support, and has experience as a former public defender and assistant attorney general.

But Fordham Law professor Zephyr Teachout, who picked up key endorsements from local papers, has the momentum going into primary day. She wrote the book on state corruption, and has the legal know-how to execute on day one.

Upstate congressman Sean Patrick Maloney and corporate attorney Leecia Eve round out the rest of the ballot. Both are also worthy of consideration.

In the State Senate, a slate of candidates are challenging former IDC senators, including Jessica Ramos against Jose Peralta and John Liu against Tony Avella in Queens and Zellnor Myrie against Jesse Hamilton in Brooklyn.

And if you're a registered Republican, you might not be left out. GOP canidates Vickie Paladino and Simon Minching are squaring off in northeast Queens, and Slawek Platta and Tom Sullivan have their sights set on another State Senate seat in the southern part of the borough.

Another Brooklyn race to watch out for is incumbent Martin Malave Dilan against challenger Julia Salazar. Dilan’s ties to real estate donors have been questioned, but Salazar faces mounting stories about her ever-changing background, conservative past and even accusations of an affair with Mets legend Keith Hernandez, which was not true.

On Thursday, September 13, whether you’re a Democrat or a Republican, make sure you cast your ballot in the primary election and make your voice heard.